Preparing for Tomorrow’s Workforce, Today
Breakout Session #4
Presentation Date: Monday, October 28
Presentation Time: 4:15 - 5:05 p.m.
Location: Tundra A
Handouts
DESCRIPTION:
Are your students ready for the workforce of tomorrow? Join us for a crucial session on the emerging needs of businesses and how we can equip students with the skills for future success. Regardless of their path after high school, AI, digital literacy, and SEL skills are key to employability and career growth. Business and educational leaders agree: the ability to leverage AI for innovative solutions is transforming the required knowledge, skills, and dispositions in all industries. Students deserve to start this journey now, and K-12 educational systems have a community responsibility to engage in this shift. Engage with us to understand these shifts and learn how to prepare students to thrive in an AI-driven world. Take this essential message back to your communities to ensure every student is ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
PRESENTER: Christy Tainter is a Professional School Counselor and Director of Academic and Career Planning at CESA 4
Christy Tainter is a Professional School Counselor and Director of Academic and Career Planning at CESA 4 in West Salem, WI. With over a decade of experience as a high school counselor in rural Wisconsin, Christy has extensive knowledge of effective mental health and career programming. She provides advanced training in Academic and Career Planning, Career Readiness, and School-Based Mental Health. Christy believes that whether students are pursuing the world of work or continuing education post high school, they need to have technological literacy. She is passionate about preparing students for a future world enhanced by AI and technology in all sectors, integrating AI into education to better equip students for future success and transform the educational landscape.
PRESENTER: Abby Fernan is a Professional School Counselor and Director of Student Services, Prevention, and Wellness at CESA 4
Abby Fernan is a Professional School Counselor and Director of Student Services, Prevention, and Wellness at CESA 4 in West Salem, WI. With 15 years of experience in rural schools, Abby addresses the unique mental health challenges and limited resources in these settings. She facilitates professional development in key areas like School-Based Mental Health, Social-Emotional Learning, and Trauma-Informed Practices. Abby believes AI in education can transform the working experience of educators, increasing job satisfaction and success. She is dedicated to creating equitable, engaging environments for students and educators to foster passion and purpose in learning and teaching.